How to Tie a Hotspot Hares Ear | Fly Tying for Beginners

Fly Tying

Feb 13

The Hotspot Hares Ear is a popular nymph pattern that combines classic materials with a touch of color for added visibility and fish attraction. Follow these easy steps to tie your own version, perfect for your fly box.

Materials Needed:

Hook: Size 12 Fulling Mill Jig Hook (or similar)
Bead: 3.0mm Tungsten Slotted Bead (gold)
Thread: Black 8/0 Waxed Thread
Hotspot Tag: Glowbright #5, orange
Wire: 0.3mm Gold Wire
Dubbing: Hares Mask (or a mix of natural and synthetic fibers)
Varnish: Thread Varnish
Tools: Whip Finisher, Velcro Brush, Scissors

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Hook and Thread

Start by securing your hook in the vise. Attach your black waxed thread behind the bead and create a few tight turns to secure the bead in place.

2. Create the Hotspot

Take about three strands of Glowbright #5 in orange and tie them in at the back of the bead. Wrap the strands down the hook shank and back, covering the entire area to create a hot spot. Make sure to tie off any excess.

3. Tie in the Wire

Now, take your gold wire and tie it in at the base of the Glowbright tag. This will add segmentation and strength to the fly’s body. Wrap the wire back up the hook shank, making sure to cover the area where you tied in the Glowbright.

4. Dub the Body

Dub a thin layer of Hares Mask or your chosen dubbing material onto the thread. Begin wrapping the dubbed thread forward to form a tapered body. Don't worry about getting it perfect—this fly has a natural, buggy appearance.

5. Wire the Body

Once the body is fully dubbed, use your gold wire to create tight ribbing. Make sure to evenly space the wire wraps to form nice segments, then tie off the wire at the front of the body.

6. Create the Thorax

Add a small amount of dubbing (you can use a synthetic material for a pearl-like effect) to form the thorax. Wrap this forward, just behind the bead, and make sure the thorax is slightly bushy.

7. Whip Finish and Varnish

Before finishing, apply a small amount of thread varnish to the thread to help lock everything in place. Perform a whip finish and trim any excess thread.

8. Final Touches

Pull the Glowbright tag forward and trim it to your desired length—short for a subtle hotspot or longer for more visibility. Use Velcro to brush out the thorax and body for a fuzzy, natural appearance.

Fly Tying